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Shawna Kuhl
About
Hello, and welcome! I’m Shawna, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTS) in Arizona. I earned my Master of Social Work from Arizona State University in 2012 and have more than 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I’m passionate about providing compassionate, affirming therapy that helps individuals better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and build lives that feel meaningful and authentic.
My approach is grounded in the belief that there is no single “right” way to think, communicate, experience emotions, or navigate the world. I value neurodiversity-affirming care and recognize that autistic and neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of experiencing the world. Therapy is not about changing who you are or asking you to fit into someone else’s expectations. Instead, I work collaboratively with clients to understand what they need, reduce distress, build self-advocacy and coping skills, and create strategies that work for their individual lives.
I strive to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable showing up as your authentic self. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, relationships, life transitions, burnout, self-advocacy, or simply trying to better understand yourself, we’ll work together to identify your goals and build on the strengths you already have.
Seeking therapy can be a meaningful and courageous step, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside each client. My goal is to help you feel more understood, confident, and empowered while supporting you in creating a life that feels fulfilling—on your terms.
I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is not to tell you who you should be, but to listen, learn about your experiences, and work alongside you to figure out what support would be most helpful.
I make a point of looking beyond the challenges that bring someone to therapy. I want to understand your strengths, interests, values, relationships, experiences, and the things that make you uniquely you. We can then build on those strengths while working together on the areas where you would like additional support.
I also believe therapy should feel collaborative. I won't assume that a particular strategy will work simply because it works for someone else. Instead, we'll explore different approaches and find practical tools that fit your needs, preferences, and everyday life.
Creating a space where you can be authentic is especially important to me. I don't want therapy to be another place where you feel pressured to mask, conform, or change who you are. Instead, I want you to feel comfortable bringing your whole self into the room—even the parts you may have felt you needed to hide or minimize in other settings.
My hope is that through therapy, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself, greater confidence in your strengths and needs, and practical tools to navigate life's challenges. Above all, I want you to leave therapy feeling more empowered to live life in a way that feels genuine and meaningful to you.
I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is not to tell you who you should be, but to listen, learn about your experiences, and work alongside you to figure out what support would be most helpful.
I make a point of looking beyond the challenges that bring someone to therapy. I want to understand your strengths, interests, values, relationships, experiences, and the things that make you uniquely you. We can then build on those strengths while working together on the areas where you would like additional support.
I also believe therapy should feel collaborative. I won't assume that a particular strategy will work simply because it works for someone else. Instead, we'll explore different approaches and find practical tools that fit your needs, preferences, and everyday life.
Creating a space where you can be authentic is especially important to me. I don't want therapy to be another place where you feel pressured to mask, conform, or change who you are. Instead, I want you to feel comfortable bringing your whole self into the room—even the parts you may have felt you needed to hide or minimize in other settings.
My hope is that through therapy, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself, greater confidence in your strengths and needs, and practical tools to navigate life's challenges. Above all, I want you to leave therapy feeling more empowered to live life in a way that feels genuine and meaningful to you.
